First Turkish Carl's Jr. Opens in Istanbul

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Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants Inc., announced the opening of the first Carl’s Jr. restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey. The restaurant, located in the popular Cevahir Shopping Mall in central Istanbul, marks the first of at least 25 Carl’s Jr. locations to be opened in Turkey over the next six years. The restaurants will be operated by FET Restoran Isletmeleri A.S.

The entry of Carl’s Jr. into Turkey is part of a strategic plan by CKE Restaurants to accelerate franchise development in international markets and grow the system as a whole. The 25-restaurant development deal is part of a greater development plan that CKE has for the region.

”We are very pleased to welcome FET Restoran Isletmeleri A.S., as a member of the Carl’s Jr. franchise family. The strength of our brand matched with the strong management depth and expertise of FET Restoran Isletmeleri A.S. in the [quick-service] sector will secure a bright future for Carl’s Jr. in the Turkish market,” Puzder says. “We believe the Turkish market has tremendous potential for our brand given the strength of its economy, the youthful population base, and an appreciation for premium-quality burgers. It is also a gateway for European expansion.”

"We are very excited to launch Carl’s Jr. in Turkey with our great partner CKE Restaurants. We are determined to make Carl’s Jr. the leading [quick-serve] brand in Turkey by providing premium, high-quality menu items; premium facilities; and exceptional customer service,” says Nurhan Azizoglu, general manager of FET Restoran Isletmeleri A.S. “We have aggressive growth plans for Turkey and hope to make Carl’s Jr. the destination of choice for Turkish consumers.”

CKE franchises 363 international restaurants between both its Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands. The company has strategic development plans to double its international presence within the next five years.